Waiting to hear back from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is often the most stressful part of the immigration process. Whether you are applying through Express Entry, for a study permit, a work permit, or Canadian citizenship, your processing time depends on the category you apply under and how complete your application is when it reaches IRCC.
Use the tool below to get an up-to-date estimate for your application type, then read on to understand how IRCC calculates these timelines and what actually slows an application down.
IRCC's processing time begins the day your application is received and ends the day a final decision is made. It varies based on the type of application, whether your documents are complete, current application volumes at IRCC, how easily your information can be verified, and how quickly you respond to any request for additional documents.
How to Check Your IRCC Processing Time Status
Hands using a laptop displaying an abstract progress bar in a bright, modern professional office setting.
The estimate above gives you a general timeline, but once your application is submitted, you can track its actual progress directly with IRCC.
- Use the processing time tool. Select your application type and the country you applied from to see IRCC's current estimated timeline, updated directly from IRCC's data.
- Check your IRCC secure account. If you applied online, sign in to your IRCC account to see your application status, any outstanding document requests, and updates as your file moves through review.
- Watch for correspondence requests. IRCC will sometimes request additional documents, a medical exam, or biometrics. Responding quickly keeps your file from being delayed further.
- Contact IRCC only after the estimated time has passed. If your application has exceeded the posted processing time, you can submit a web form inquiry through your IRCC account.
How are processing times calculated?
IRCC calculates a processing time as the number of days it takes to process 80% of applications in a given category, based on how quickly the department has been completing similar applications recently. The clock starts the day IRCC receives your application (or the day it's deemed complete) and stops the day a final decision is made.
Because this figure is based on recent completions rather than your specific file, it's an estimate, not a guarantee. Two applications submitted the same day under the same program can still take different amounts of time depending on whether the file is complete, whether extra documents or an interview are requested, and how quickly the applicant responds.
Processing times shift often, and an application that looks straightforward can still be delayed by a missing document, an inadmissibility flag, or incomplete forms. If your timeline feels longer than it should, or you are not sure your application was submitted correctly. Our team will review your file, confirm your category is the right fit, and help you address anything that could be slowing your application down